Liverpool only signed two players during the summer transfer window – but a third deal was agreed.
Arne Slot welcomed Federico Chiesa and Giorgi Mamardashvili to Anfield – although the latter has been loaned back to Valencia – bolstering what was already a star studded squad.
Now – however – a Mexico international has revealed he also came close to joining Liverpool…
Cesar Huerta admits he nearly signed for Liverpool
A story from Kery Ruiz of DAZN revealed back on August 29th that Liverpool were close to signing Cesar Huerta from UNAM Pumas.
That was backed up by Mexican news outlet Soy Futbol – who described the £7.6m agreement as a “historic” sale for UNAM Pumas.
Despite these stories, many assumed this was just speculative paper talk when there was no official announcement from either Liverpool or UNAM Pumas once the deadline had passed.
Now – however – Huerta himself has admitted there was an agreement.
The Mexican told AS: “I already had my suitcase ready, and I dropped it. I know that sooner or later, if I keep doing things right, I’ll get the opportunity. It’s a train that only happens once and I’m focused on Pumas. I come to the national team, and I try to do my best to help my team. I know the rest will come soon.”
It has been suggested that Liverpool wanted to immediately loan Huerta out to Sunderland – but Regis Le Bris, Manager of the Black Cats, ended up blocking the deal.
Deal could still happen in 2025
While the agreement between Huerta – who Aston Villa also wanted to sign – and Liverpool obviously broke down in the end, the saga may not be over just yet.
The 23-year-old winger was clearly excited by the chance to leave UNAM Pumas for Liverpool, having swiftly packed his suitcase, and given the relatively small nature of the £7.6m fee, there should be no financial reason as to why Richard Hughes cannot resurrect this deal in January.
Realistically, there is also enough time between now and the January transfer window to find another club who would be willing to take Huerta on loan, after Sunderland pulled out this summer.
Hopefully, Liverpool can still sign the UNAM Pumas No.12 in 2025, as the Mexican seems to be an exciting talent.